Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0293
Large Bronze Age Shield Boss
8TH CENTURY B.C.
10 1/2 in. (297 grams, 26.5 cm wide).
A hammered discoid shield raised from a single sheet, displaying a central conoid boss; two pairs of circular piercings to the perimeter. [No Reserve]
Provenance
UK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Overlaet, B., ‘The chronology of the Iron Age in the Pusht-I Kuh, Luristan’ in Iranica Antiqua, vol.XL, 2005, pl.13, no.14, for a recent find of a similar shield; see also Ayazi, S., Disc-Headed Bronze Pins from Luristan: A Symbol of Ancient Iran’s Past, Tübingen, 2008.
Footnotes
These kind of shields, of small dimensions, were used by infantry or horse-archers of Luristan and neighbouring cultures (Elamites, Zagros Tribesmen, like Hurrians, Lullubians, Kutians, and Kassites, Assyrians), as well as by Urartu, West-Iranian and Northern Caucasian civilisations around the Caspian Sea. The bronze boss was probably attached to a leather and wooden background.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Medieval and Later Bronze Buckle Collection
14th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including double-frame, shoe-buckle, scrolled and other types; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 474 grams total, 12-71 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A piriform ceramic missile with a band of impressed bars and triangles, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 913 grams, 13.5 cm
From a military inspired collection formed from the 1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Cased Tudor to Stuart 'Published' Sword Belt Accruement Collection
16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Collection of military belt fittings including buckles and frames, strap hooks, scabbard chapes and other items, all mounted and labelled in a felt-lined glazed wooden display case; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 3.8 kg total, 52.5 x 37 x 6 cm including case
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
